Mayor Signs Mental Health Month Proclamation

Mayor George McKee signed a proclamation on May 2, 2016 designating May 2016 as Mental Health Month in Mena, AR. The Mayor along with Senior Behavioral Health and Cedar Haven would like to increase awareness and understanding of mental health, the steps our citizens can take to protect their mental health and the need for appropriate and accessible services for all people with mental illnesses at all stages.

Mental Health Month was started 67 years ago by the national organization, Mental Health America, to raise awareness about mental health conditions and the importance of good mental health for everyone. It made an impact and today thousands of organizations throughout the nation and the world embrace it.

Understanding the signs of a mental illness and identifying how it can feel can be confusing—and sometimes can contribute to ongoing silence or hesitation to get help. “Prevention, early identification and intervention, along with integrated services work,” stated Sue Cavner, Program Director of Senior Behavioral Health and Cedar Haven. Mental illness is common and treatable and help is available. With proper treatment, 70 to 90 percent of people with mental illness experience significant improvement in their symptoms and quality of life. Speaking up about mental health can help remove the shame and stigma so that people feel comfortable about seeking behavioral health treatment. Help us start empowering people as agents of their own recovery.

For information about mental illness and treatment, contact Senior Behavioral Health or Cedar Haven at Mena Regional Health System.

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Jeri Pearson

Jeri is the News Director for Pulse Multi-Media and Editor of The Polk County Pulse. She has 10 years of experience in community focused journalism and has won multiple press association awards.

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